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A sensational smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Most people are aware that smoking is not only bad for our lungs but can also discolor our teeth. There are even some medications that can impact tooth color.

If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first select which method to use. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our patients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 801-938-8855.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It generally takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to realize results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in the appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that can last longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding, it is crucial to speak with your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

You may not be able to articulate why all the components blend in perfect harmony. But you know it when you see it.

We’re talking about a beautiful smile. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, beautiful smiles are our specialty.

We provide tooth implants and other cosmetic dental procedures for complete smile makeovers.

You may be surprised at how many details Dr. Blackwood must consider when planning for a smile redesign.

Here are a few of the most obvious characteristics:

• Tooth Color: shade, brightness, uniformity
• Tooth alignment: straight or crooked?
• Tooth size and proportions: are some teeth much larger or smaller than the rest?
• Tooth spacing: is there crowding or big gaps between teeth?
• Gumline margins: how much gum shows when you smile?

Here are some other considerations that may be less familiar to the layperson:

• The portions of the teeth that are visible when the mouth is at rest
• The relationship of the smile line and the lip line
• Zenith points: the highest point of the gumline in relation to the center of the tooth

If vital design principles are not complied with, the smile may look ‘off’. Or it could impact the function of the teeth and jaw. For example, a smile transformation performed by an inexperienced cosmetic dentist could change the patient’s bite and put unnecessary stress on the restorations.

Do not elect a dental implant dentist by procedure cost alone. If you are contemplating a single tooth implant or total mouth restoration, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS today to schedule a dental implant consultation.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Every person’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are passionate about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

The first sign of gingivitis is swollen, sore gums.

Gingivitis is the term for Stage 1 gum disease. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we routinely discover gingivitis in patients who are not even aware that they have the condition.

It is essential for people to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums are an alert that something is amiss.

If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the Salt Lake City area, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009.

Dr.Blackwood will complete a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and take time to discuss the results and recommendations with you.

Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is a full-service dental practice at 279 E 5900 S Ste 202 in Murray. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for patients who live in Murray and the nearby communities of Sandy, Taylorsville and Draper.

During your dental consultation, we can examine any cosmetic or restorative care in which you are interested. Some of the procedures that we use to achieve brilliant smiles are porcelain veneers, orthodontics, dental implants, and tooth bleaching.

If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in a while, we invite you to schedule an extensive cleaning. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who complete the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall physical health. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling 801-506-6009.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

The retention phase is an important milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, challenging work of moving teeth is over.

Your smile looks amazing, but stay with the program.

There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a while.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps teeth preserve their new position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed in the mouth.

Patients who neglect to wear their retainers are at risk. Their beautifully-aligned teeth may shift. If your bite was corrected during treatment, it may revert back to the original condition.

Follow Dr. Blackwood’s Recommendations

Your dentist will prescribe a schedule for wearing your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment plan is unique. It may differ from that of other patients.

What If I Lose My Retainer?

Occasionally, patients lose their retainers. If this happens, contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS right away for a replacement. We understand that life can get hectic. We urge you not to let weeks pass without getting a replacement retainer.

We teach our patients how to care for their retainer. It’s helpful if parents reinforce this training at home for their kids undergoing treatment.

Keep Your Retainer Clean

After eating, clean the retainer with a toothbrush. Brush it carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use denture cleaner periodically for a deeper clean.

If your teen has a cell phone, set an alert to remind them to clean their retainer. While you’re at it, set an alert reminding them to keep the retainer in its case when not in use.

Keep Your New Smile Clean!

If it’s important to clean your retainer, it’s no surprise that it’s even more important to clean your beautiful new smile. It will be easier now that the braces are off.

Practice daily oral hygiene. This includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day. Flossing and brushing before bed ensures that particles of food don’t sit on teeth all night. For extra cavity prevention, use a fluoride rinse before going to sleep. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Perhaps you have heard or seen the dental industry’s advertising about dental implants. Many Salt Lake City dentists claim that dental implant dentures can change your life. Does this sound like big talk? Exaggeration? The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS can help.

Let’s consider the facts about dental implant anchored dentures:

Chewing: An oral implant denture can restore up to 95 percent of normal chewing function. How critical is chewing? Can you chew easily with your current full or partial denture? Can you bite apples? When was the last time you ate a raw carrot?

Fit: Implant anchored dentures stay in place. An implant denture doesn’t slip around in your mouth and cause sores. Implant denture wearers who exercise regularly especially appreciate this benefit.

Appearance: Is your smile attractive? Can you smile confidently? How many denture wearers love their smile? Implant anchored dentures look like natural teeth. They don’t move when you smile, eat, talk, bike, swim, dance, golf, ski; you get the idea.

Bone health: When teeth are taken out, bone recession can occur over time. Because a titanium implant is an artificial ‘tooth root’ inserted into your jaw bone, your bone has a better chance of staying healthy. If there are no other adverse issues present, your jaw bone should remain strong and vital, just as if the original tooth root were there.

Now, Denture Wearers Have An Amazing New Tooth Replacement Option.

If you hate your dentures, we invite you to set up a consultation about dental implant procedures. We can discuss all the particulars including procedure specifics, healing time, and dental implant cost. Then you can decide for yourself if implant dentures will, as promised, change your life.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we can make sure you are in good health and that your jawbone is strong enough to go through the implant procedure. Some patients need a bone or sinus graft beforehand. We see ourselves as key members of your healthcare team and are dedicated to your physical, mental, and emotional health. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we serve the Murray area with general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS wants to discuss teenager oral health and some issues your teen might have.

When it comes to oral health, adolescence is a pivotal time. On the upside, the last of the permanent teeth come in providing young men and women with their “adult smile.” Good habits can be forged and reinforced. Teeth can be corrected with orthodontia, providing increased confidence when it is often sorely needed.

On the downside, some youth take up habits that are harmful to their teeth. Adolescents often don’t understand the importance of proper dental hygiene and how it affects lifelong oral health. Some young men and women develop teenage decay that can cause recurring dental problems in later years.

TEEN ORAL HEALTH ISSUES

• Eating disorders are far too common among teenagers. Bulimia can cause enamel erosion, decay, and even complete tooth loss. We strongly urge parents to intervene immediately and seek appropriate medical care if they suspect their teen has an eating disorder.
• Adolescence is a time when many young men and women decrease their calcium intake—a danger to both bones and teeth.
• Drinking sugary beverages (including energy drinks, soda, and other sugar-sweetened drinks) also contribute to tooth and gum problems in teenagers.
• Furthermore, teenagers who use tobacco and illegal drugs have an increased risk of tooth decay and oral cancer.
• Oral piercings can be extremely dangerous. The health risks include tooth and gum damage, infection, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and excessive swelling that can block airways.
• Teens who are undergoing orthodontic treatment often have a difficult time thoroughly cleaning their teeth. It is a challenge to fit toothbrush bristles and floss under dental hardware. Toothbrushes and flossing devices that squirt water can help adolescents with braces adequately clean their teeth and gums.

SMILE-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS advises parents to make sure their youth receive twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Our team can identify and treat oral issues in their early stages so that further damage can be prevented or minimized.

Here are some other guidelines for good oral health:

• Drink fluoridated water.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily.

Get on the right side of a smile-friendly solution. Make an appointment at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS. We offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign braces, and Six Month Smiles, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry. Call today for an appointment.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS would like to clear up the confusion surrounding dental implants and crowns. Many people wonder what is the difference between an implant and a crown.  They can be combined in one procedure. And both can be used with other dental restorations.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

 A dental implant can work as a foundation for a crown.

A complete dental implant/crown procedure includes a strong metal post (artificial root), abutment (connecting piece), and a beautiful crown.

A crown can be used to protect a weakened tooth.

Removing decay weakens the tooth. Once the decay is removed, a filling may not be enough to restore necessary strength. Likewise, after a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth may need strengthening. A crown may be used in both of these scenarios. A strong, natural looking crown protects the remaining tooth and functions like a natural tooth

A crown can be attached to a dental bridge.

When a tooth has been taken out, a dental bridge may be used to restore part of it. The reason we say ‘part’ is because a dental bridge does not restore the root of the tooth. A crown can be used with a dental bridge to restore the visible part of the missing tooth. A dental bridge used to replace one tooth requires the removal of tooth structure from adjacent teeth. With a bridge, it requires three crowns to replace one missing tooth!

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign braces, and Six Month Smiles, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry. Call today for an appointment.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS  sees this situation quite often.When a tooth’s nerve and pulp becomes infected, a dentist and patient must make a choice of whether to attempt to save the tooth by performing a root canal or to extract the tooth.

There are several factors that influence this decision. These include whether there is infection in the surrounding bone, the amount and condition of the remaining tooth structure, the strength of the supporting bone, and the presence of periodontal disease.

We remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth during a root canal procedur. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. The dentist or endodontist uses files of various sizes to clean out the canals. Once we clean out the roots and widen them, we will fill them with a special rubber material that seals them off.

The root canal is the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will probably become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build-up and crown. The crown protects what’s left of the tooth and allows normal function.

A root canal is frequently the most conservative treatment when a root is infected or a tooth has severe decay or damage. We have performed root canals with success for many patients and have a very low failure rate.

But there is always a slight possibility that a tooth with a root canal can have complications down the road. If there was a tiny crack in the treated tooth, it can become re-infected. Teeth with curved roots are more difficult to fill and they can also become re-infected. Occasionally, the tip of a file can break off in a root during the procedure and cause problems.

Because there is always a slight risk that a root canal can fail and eventually require extraction, some patients wonder if they should just get a dental implant in the first place. This is not a black and white decision. Like root canals, dental implants have a high success rate. But there are risks with dental implants, as well.

If you have been told that a root canal or a dental implant is necessary, talk with our team about the pros and cons of each procedure. We see ourselves as key members of your healthcare team and are dedicated to your physical, mental, and emotional health. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we serve the Murray area with general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

An increasing number of Murray adolescents are sporting tongue, cheek, and lip piercings. The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS knows the dental health dangers your teen will face.

What if your teen asked you for permission to get an oral piercing?

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS advises moms and dads to give a firm ‘No.’

HERE’S FIVE REASONS WHY TEENS SHOULD AVOID ORAL PIERCINGS:

1. Excessive drooling
2. Chipped teeth
3. Infection
4. Hypersensitivity to metal
5. Nerve damage

Let’s discuss these dangers in more detail.

DROOLING

Lip and tongue piercings let teenagers express their personality and creativity. But they can cause excessive drooling.

BROKEN TEETH

Another  reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue, is because having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping.

Does your teen already have a tooth that’s damaged? Take care of these cracks before the whole tooth is in danger.

Small chips in a teeth can be filled, or crowned. But often teenagers with piercings come in with more serious problems. These may mean a root canal or tooth extraction.

INFECTION

The mouth is a haven for bacteria. When tissue is pierced, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. Neglecting proper brushing habits can increase the risk. Touching the piercing with dirty hands can also introduce bacteria.

HYPERSENSITIVITY TO METAL

Metal piercings can result in a hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. Additionally, there is a risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site.

NERVE DAMAGE

This is the scariest. Piercings put your child at risk of irreversible nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t discourage your teen, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But for some adolescents, it has become permanent.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign braces, and Six Month Smiles, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry. Call today for an appointment.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107